--- product_id: 9511179 title: "EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black" brand: "emg" price: "R4398" currency: ZAR in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 category: "Emg" url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9511179-emg-81-x-active-guitar-humbucker-pickup-black store_origin: ZA region: South Africa --- # X Series preamp for dynamic control Ceramic magnets for powerful tone Solderless installation for easy swap EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black **Brand:** emg **Price:** R4398 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎸 Elevate your riffs with the EMG 81-X — where precision meets power! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black by emg - **How much does it cost?** R4398 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9511179-emg-81-x-active-guitar-humbucker-pickup-black) ## Best For - emg enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted emg brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Effortless Upgrade:** Solderless design means quick, no-fuss installation at home - • **Versatile Pairings:** Perfect with 85-X or 60-X for tailored tonal versatility - • **Cut Through the Mix:** Bridge position leads slice with razor-sharp high-end clarity - • **Blistering Dual Setup:** Use in neck & bridge for an intense, full-spectrum sound - • **Next-Level Tone Control:** X Series preamp adds organic headroom and dynamic response ## Overview The EMG 81-X Active Humbucker Pickup redefines classic EMG tone with a powerful ceramic magnet design and the advanced X Series preamp, delivering razor-sharp high-end cut, fluid sustain, and organic dynamic response. Ideal for bridge or dual pickup setups, it slices through dense mixes effortlessly. Its solderless installation makes upgrading your guitar simple and fast, backed by a 2-year warranty. ## Description The EMG 81-X provides increased headroom giving the voicing an organic and open tone while still maintaining the clarity and response that EMG’s are renowned for. Utilizing powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils and powered by a newly designed preamp, the 81-X shines with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut and fluid sustain. Traditionally used in the bridge position, this pickup will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix like a hot knife. When used in both positions the sound can only be described as blistering. Other recommended pairings include the 85-X and the versatile 81-X/60-X combo. Give it a try and experience why the “X” factor is exciting players all around the world. Review: Emg x en una guitarra Jackson js32r - Perfecto para hacer Palm mutes y tocar Death metal Review: Sounds great - I must say this pickup is different than the 81, slightly less hot maybe, more sensitive to picking attack. But...if you read the instructions at all you could just buy the tone switch it comes with and use it on a normal 81. Its more of a presence than tone feature. Definitely worth trying it out. ## Features - Takes the classic 81 to a new level of tone with the added dynamic control of the X Series preamp - Utilizes powerful ceramic magnets and close aperture coils - The tone was designed with detailed intensity, incredible amounts of high end cut, and fluid sustain - In the bridge position of your guitar, it will make your leads slice right through even the densest mix - When used in both neck and bridge positions the sound can only be described as blistering - Other recommended pairings include the classic 81X/85X setup and the versatile 81X/60X combo - EMG's solderless installation makes swapping your guitar pickups easy to do at home ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B001RTTC98 | | Back Material Type | ['Metal'] | | Best Sellers Rank | #50,911 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #515 in Electric Guitar Pickups & Pickup Covers | | Body Material | Maple | | Body Material Type | Maple | | Brand | EMG | | Brand Name | EMG | | Color | BLACK | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 66 Reviews | | Fretboard Material Type | Mahogany Wood | | Global Trade Identification Number | 00654330101519 | | Guitar Bridge System | Fixed | | Guitar Pickup Configuration | H | | Hand Orientation | Right | | Instrument | Guitar | | Instrument Size | One Size | | Item Dimensions | 2.63 x 2.38 x 6 inches | | Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2.63"L x 2.38"W x 6"H | | Item Type Name | Electric Guitar Electronics | | Item Weight | 8.32 ounces | | Manufacturer | EMG Inc. | | Manufacturer Part Number | 81-X | | Material Type | Stainless Steel | | Model Name | {FEEDTITLE} | | Model Number | 81-X | | Model Series | X Series | | Neck Material Type | Maple | | Number of Items | 1 | | Number of Strings | 6 | | String Material Type | Nickel | | Top Material Type | Maple Wood | | UPC | 654330100734 654330101519 | | Unit Count | 1 Count | | Warranty Description | Two years from date of purchase, parts and labor. | ## Product Details - **Back Material Type:** ['Metal'] - **Body Material:** Maple - **Brand:** EMG - **Color:** BLACK - **Fretboard Material Type:** Mahogany Wood - **Guitar Pickup Configuration:** H - **Hand Orientation:** Right - **Neck Material Type:** Maple - **String Material Type:** Nickel - **Top Material Type:** Maple Wood ## Images ![EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71FNIs-ZWrL.jpg) ![EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71MBzQWlG4L.jpg) ![EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Eq+gV-QxL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emg x en una guitarra Jackson js32r *by D***A on June 27, 2026* Perfecto para hacer Palm mutes y tocar Death metal ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sounds great *by M***L on January 12, 2026* I must say this pickup is different than the 81, slightly less hot maybe, more sensitive to picking attack. But...if you read the instructions at all you could just buy the tone switch it comes with and use it on a normal 81. Its more of a presence than tone feature. Definitely worth trying it out. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Awesome Pickups *by S***T on January 15, 2026* Super hot pick ups. They sound great! Easy to install. Great price these are legit EMGs ## Frequently Bought Together - EMG 81-X Active Guitar Humbucker Pickup, Black - EMG 3 Way Switch for Electric Guitar (3349.00) - EMG 85 Active Guitar Humbucker Bridge/Neck Pickup, Black --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9511179-emg-81-x-active-guitar-humbucker-pickup-black](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/9511179-emg-81-x-active-guitar-humbucker-pickup-black) --- *Product available on Desertcart South Africa* *Store origin: ZA* *Last updated: 2026-09-06*